Original URL: https://www.theregister.com/2011/11/03/google_ios_gmail_embarrassment/

Google releases, quickly recalls native iOS Gmail app

'Unfortunately, it contained a bug...'

By Rik Myslewski

Posted in Personal Tech, 3rd November 2011 00:25 GMT

Was it only yesterday that we told you that a native Gmail app was coming to iOS? Well, today it came – and today it left.

"Earlier today we launched a new Gmail app for iOS," Googler Matthew Izatt wrote in a Tuesday blog post. "Unfortunately, it contained a bug which broke notifications and caused users to see an error message when first opening the app. We've removed the app while we correct the problem, and we’re working to bring you a new version soon."

Oops.

Don't bother clicking on the link to the new app listed in the blog post. As of Wednesday afternoon, Pacific time, if you do you'll see only this:

iTunes App Store' 'not currently available' error message

We can only assume that similar messages are provided in the UK, Oz, and elsewhere

The post contains a rundown of the app's features, which don't appear to be as nifty as iPhoners and iPadders may have hoped. For example, there doesn't appear to be a way to unify accounts into a single inbox.

That said, the app's search function appears to be an improvement over Apple's iOS 5 Mail, and some of the customization tools appear rather slick.

But we're judging those enhancements based only on screenshots provided on Google's blog, and not on our experience with the app itself. After all, it's not available.

Although, as Google points out, "Everyone who's already installed the app can continue to use it." That is, if you don't mind buggy push notifications.